About Murray State
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Type of Employment Regular Full-Time
If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week
Work Location Murray, KY
Employment Term 12 Months
Position Type Staff - Exempt (Monthly)
Department Office of Development
Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, this position is responsible for coordinating and facilitating Murray State’s fundraising efforts in scholarship endowment development and other key initiative areas for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Honors College as outlined by the Executive Director of Advancement. These responsibilities include identifying and cultivating prospects, assisting in the development of strategies, collaboration and creation of gift proposals, and the solicitation of major gifts ($10,000 and above) from individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations. The director, as assigned by the Executive Director of Advancement, may be involved with broader institutional fundraising initiates, including annual giving, planned giving, and capital campaign efforts.

Works with the dean, chairs, and directors of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Honors College to identify potential unit fundraising projects and priorities
Identifies, cultivates and solicits a portfolio of individual and corporate/foundation major donor prospects for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Honors College for the purpose of funding scholarship endowments and other institutional priorities
Manages pipeline of approximately 200 prospects and makes at least 15-20 personal visits per month requiring travel
Prepares proposals to be used in gift solicitation
Collects and transfers thorough and appropriate information on all constituents in the donor records system
Provides leadership to engage donors, faculty, and volunteers in the colleges’ development activities
Assists in forming, guiding, and supervising unit and project advisory councils and other volunteers in fundraising activities and efforts
Ensures that all donations are promptly submitted for recording
Meets regularly with campus managers and development staff for coordinating fundraising efforts as assigned by the Executive Director of Advancement
Represents the University as requested at functions of interest to the institution including those scheduled on evenings and weekends
Perform other related duties as assigned
Minimum Education Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements
Demonstrated success in direct solicitation of gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations. Sales experience (or equivalent) may be substituted for charitable giving experience if applicant can show results success and evidence of excellent relationship management skills.
Articulate and sincerely inspiring as represented through written and oral communication as well as presentation and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate success in program management
Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications
Advanced degree(s) preferred.
Physical Demands
Work Hours
Ability to represent the University as requested at functions of interest to the institution including those scheduled on evening and weekends.
The position requires regional travel as well as some out-of-state travel.